Safer Cities Initiative yields 3,000 arrests

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO) apprehended at least 3,122 individuals for various local ordinance violations during the intensified anti-criminality operations conducted across Cebu Province on the first five days of June, as part of their implementation of the Safer Cities Initiative.

The operations were carried out in strict compliance with the directive of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) under the leadership of Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla Jr., and through the aggressive implementation of OPLAN Bulabog, OPLAN Sita, and Night Watch Operations under the Safer Cities Initiative from June 1 to 5, 2026.

This aims to strengthen peace and order through the strict enforcement of local ordinances, increased police visibility, and sustained public discipline campaigns across Cebu Province.

CPPO sustained its aggressive implementation of the Safer Cities Initiative resulting in the apprehension of 3,122 violators during a series of anti-criminality and local ordinance enforcement operations conducted across the province.

According to CPPO, police units carried out a total of 1,079 operations provincewide, resulting in the apprehension of individuals for violations involving drinking and smoking in public places, roaming half-naked in streets, curfew infractions, unauthorized videoke operations, and traffic regulations during the five-day period.

During the five-day operation, CPPO documented 2,071 violations of City and Municipal Traffic Ordinances, accounting for the largest number of apprehensions, followed by 376 minors violating curfew ordinances.

Authorities also recorded 371 individuals cited for drinking in public places, 148 individuals roaming shirtless in public areas, and 121 violators for smoking in prohibited places, 28 videoke or karaoke violations beyond allowable hours, and seven other violations of local ordinances.

During the five days of successive operations, the authorities garnered a total of ?959,550 in fines and penalties collected from the violators.

On June 5, several police stations recorded significant accomplishments during the operation.

Consolacion Municipal Police Station registered the highest number of apprehensions with 76 violators, followed by Naga City Police Station with 58, Talisay City Police Station with 35, and Danao City Police Station with 30.

According to the Provincial Director of CPPO, PCOL Abubakar Udang Mangelen Jr., the numbers represent more than enforcement statistics as they reflect the growing commitment of communities toward safer and more disciplined neighborhoods.

He added that the Safer Cities Initiative is not solely about apprehending violators, but about encouraging accountability, preventing crimes before they happen, and fostering respect for the rule of law. He also assured that their office will remain committed in sustaining their current operations and strengthen their partnership with the public.

As the Safer Cities Initiative continues to gain momentum, CPPO assures the public that OPLAN Bulabog, OPLAN Sita, and Night Watch Operations will remain a priority, ensuring that Cebu’s streets are not only safer but also more conducive to peaceful and productive communities.

Street dweller stabs drinking buddy

A 30-year-old male was found injured after his drinking companion allegedly stabbed him following a heated argument along the roadside of F. Cabahug Street, Barangay Kasambagan, Cebu City, Friday evening, June 5.

Authorities identified the victim as Jack Bahinting Arco, 30, a resident of Brgy. Casuntingan, Mandaue City. The suspect was meanwhile identified as Eric Bohol, of legal age, a street dweller in Cebu City.

According to the initial investigation of Mabolo Police Station 4, the incident was reported to their station by a concerned citizen at around 8:16 pm, Friday. Personnel from Police Station 4 under the direct supervision of Station Commander PMAJ Thom Ed L. Taghoy II immediately proceeded to the area to verify the incident.

The police report revealed that prior to the incident, based on the account of Arco, he and the suspect were drinking alcohol beside the roadside of the said place. During the course of their drinking session, an argument reportedly ensued between him and the suspect.

During their altercation, the suspect reportedly drew out a bladed weapon and stabbed the victim in the abdominal area. The suspect then fled the scene.

Following the incident, the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CCDRRMO), led by Ubano Arita Garbo, immediately transported Arco to the Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC).

The victim is now in stable condition while a hot pursuit operation for the suspect is still being conducted by Mabolo Police Station 4.

Carcar man falls in drug buy-bust

A High-Value Individual (HVI) listed in the local drug watchlist was arrested in a buy-bust operation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) of the Carcar City Police Station in Sitio Baño, Barangay Calidngan, Carcar City, Cebu on the evening of June 5.

Police said 11 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu were recovered from the suspect, composed of five medium-sized and six small sachets, with an estimated total weight of 50.55 grams and a Standard Drug Price (SDP) value of ?343,740. Police also recovered a 9mm-caliber revolver without a serial number loaded with two live rounds of ammunition.

Police said the suspect was arrested after a buy-bust transaction was conducted through an undercover operative. The operation was conducted following intelligence monitoring and surveillance on individuals allegedly involved in illegal drug activities.

The suspect is currently detained at the Carcar City Police Station pending the filing of charges for violations of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and Republic Act 10591. Section 5 of Republic Act 9165 refers to the illegal sale, trading, delivery, or distribution of dangerous drugs, while Section 11 covers the possession of dangerous drugs. Republic Act 10591, according to law, penalizes the unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.

The seized evidence was turned over to the Cebu Provincial Forensic Unit for laboratory examination. — Paul Benedict Sariana, CNU interns/VAB (FREEMAN)